Bakersfield Christmas Ornaments

2010 For the First Edition of the Bakersfield Collector’s Christmas Ornament, The Bakersfield Inn and its sign was chosen. The Bakersfield Inn was built in 1929 and at one time was the world’s largest motor inn. Located on Union Ave. when it was a part of the Golden State Highway (US 99): the main connector between northern and southern California through the San Joaquin Valley. The sign, Bakersfield, for 50 years was a symbol to travelers when they had arrived in the city. The Inn expanded over the years with another wing being built across the highway. In 1949, an arched walkway was constructed over the highway as a foot bridge to connect the two halves of the hotel to which the big letters spelling “Bakersfield” were attached. The construction of the sign also served another purpose. Most of the central valley communities along US 99 had an arched sign spanning the highway to welcome drivers to the towns and cities they were entering. The Bakersfield Sign (also known as the Bakersfield Arch) is one of the more recognizable landmarks in Bakersfield. By the late 90’s, the Bakersfield Inn had closed down and no one was maintaining the sign. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), fearing the sign could collapse onto the road, wanted to remove it. It would have been destroyed except for Buck Owens. He renovated the sign and moved it to Sillect Avenue, next to the Buck Owens Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, the old sign had fallen in such a state of disrepair, that the only components that could be saved were the blue porcelain letters. By moving the sign, it was again visible to the important Golden State Highway route, which was now the Golden State Freeway (CA State Route 99, located next to Oak St. and Buck Owens Blvd). The renovation occurred in 1999 on the 50th anniversary of its original construction.Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2011 The Beale Memorial Clock Tower was donated to the City of Bakersfield by Truxtun Beale in memory of his mother, Mary Edwards Beale, in 1904. Mr. Beale received his inspiration for the tower when he was ambassador to Spain and presented the plans to the City for the Tower to be erected at the intersection of 19th and Chester Avenue. Many people were against building the Tower, citing traffic flow problems, and the city denied his request. After a month of discussions, the city agreed to allow Mr. Beale to move the Tower two blocks south at 17th and Chester. From its dedication until 1952, the Tower was used to showcase patriotic posters (during WW I and II), civic announcements and was always decorated for the Christmas Season (once as a bright red, brick chimney with Santa coming out of the top). On July 21, 1952, a powerful 7.3 earthquake hit the surrounding areas of Bakersfield and on August 22, 1952, Bakersfield was directly hit by a 5.8 earthquake, destroying many buildings, including the Beale Tower. The only original parts to survive the quake were the clock works, bell, iron stairway, balcony railings, arch grillwork and some bricks. In 1961, local citizens formed the Beale Memorial Clock Tower Restoration Committee in order to build a replica of the Tower. The original parts were used in the rebuilding of the Tower at the Kern County Museum on Chester Avenue. The new Beale Memorial Clock Tower was dedicated on December 13, 1964 and continues to represent the best of Bakersfield as a wonderful landmark. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2012 The Majestic Fox Theater is located at 2001 H Street in Bakersfield, California. The Fox Theater opened on Christmas Day, 1930. The Fox was one of the last of its kind built in the gilded age of great theaters. The featured film was “Just Imagine”, a sci-fi tale set 50 years into the future. Today, the Bakersfield Fox is recognized for its fine acoustics and as the only remaining Fox with its Skouras signature intact — a now classic art form exuding a rare mystique. Beginning at the sidewalk on a rainbow of polished terrazzo and then inside amid towering gold leaf, she is the exquisite blend of Spanish Colonial and Art Deco. She beckons you away from reality into twilight enchantment — a galaxy of star lights floating in the neon glow of an indigo sky — a place where your dreams of romance can come true! Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2013 In May 1899, the first crude oil was hauled out of the Kern River field in whiskey barrels. By the end of July, the Kern River field was producing almost 1,000 barrels a day. The wooden oil rig is still a symbol of an earlier time of innovation and hard work, booms and busts, as well as the rise and fall of financial empires. 2014 Garces Memorial Traffic Circle, informally known as Garces Circle or just The Circle, is the only traffic circle in Bakersfield, California. The traffic circle is located at the intersection of Chester Avenue, Golden State Avenue (State Route 204) and 30th St in Bakersfield. The Circle was originally built as a part US 99 in approximately 1932. A large 1939 sculpture of Father Francisco Garces by John Palo-Kangas rests inside the circle. The Garces Memorial Traffic Circle has a near twin in the 1930 Long Beach Traffic Circle located in Long Beach. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2014 Garces Memorial Traffic Circle, informally known as Garces Circle or just The Circle, is the only traffic circle in Bakersfield, California. The traffic circle is located at the intersection of Chester Avenue, Golden State Avenue (State Route 204) and 30th St in Bakersfield. The Circle was originally built as a part US 99 in approximately 1932. A large 1939 sculpture of Father Francisco Garces by John Palo-Kangas rests inside the circle. The Garces Memorial Traffic Circle has a near twin in the 1930 Long Beach Traffic Circle located in Long Beach. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2015 The Padre Hotel is an iconic treasure in the heart of downtown Bakersfield. In 1927, Los Angeles architect John M. Cooper was commissioned to design the 8-story, 196-room hotel in Spanish Colonial Revival style. Original plans called for 4 more floors just in case they were desired in the future. The pending project brought promise of modernization and sophistication to the city’s thriving economic business district. The site chosen was the former estate of Superior Court Judge Benjamin Brundage located at the corner of 18th and H Streets. Opening on April 12, 1928, the Padre Hotel was a tribute to Padre Francisco Garces, missionary and 1st European to visit the area. “Peacock Alley” was the name given to the lobby which had similar features to that of the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Painted murals graced the walls which depicted stories of its namesake. The new flamboyant Padre was described as “The finest hotel west of the Rockies.” Purchased by Milton “Spartacus” Miller in 1954, the once lavish hotel became an eyesore and a city government protest billboard for 45 years as he battled over building code violations. The top 5 floors were closed down and the rest of the once beautiful building fell into disrepair. After his death in 1999, the Padre was permanently closed. In 2008, hotel and restaurant developer Brett Miller, along with San Diego Architect Graham Downes, purchased the neglected property. During the renovation, reports of unexplained events of possible ghosts and hauntings gained The Padre national attention. The infamous child’s handprint embedded on the wood panel is a must see for visitors. The stylized western theme echoes throughout the 112 upscale rooms, suites, lobby, café, bar and restaurant. Locals and tourists generously rate the food and service five star reviews. With nods to its past creatively intertwined with modern comfort, The Padre Hotel has rightfully earned the title of Bakersfield’s “Oldest and Newest Treasure”. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2016 The Great Kern County Fair celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2016. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2017 - Buck Owens Born in Sherman, Texas in 1929, Buck Owens came West with his family in the great “Grapes of Wrath” migration of the 30’s. By 1951, he settled into Bakersfield, California and found himself playing guitar and singing in the local honky-tonks. He quickly became a local favorite and then in 1953 got a break by playing for the then hot Tommy Collins. He started playing lead guitar on Tommy’s records, and during the next few years became a popular session player for Capitol Records in Hollywood. After making a few records of his own on the Pep label, Buck signed as a solo act with Capitol in 1957. For the next five years his hits were steady and his star was rising, but in 1963 his career really took off. Buck Owens and the Buckaroos had seventeen #1 hit singles over the next six years, including “Act Naturally”, “Together Again”, “Tiger By The Tail”, “Crying Time”, and “Love’s Gonna Live Here”... which stayed in the #1 slot on Billboard for 16 weeks straight! By the late 1960’s, Buck led a huge organization based in Bakersfield, including publishing companies, several radio stations, TV, newspapers, and more. In the summer of 1969 Buck became co-host of Hee Haw, which became one of the top syndicated TV successes of all time. In 1989, Buck had a resurgence in popularity with the a new younger group of fans and scored a #1 hit with “Streets of Bakersfield”... a duet with his friend Dwight Yoakam. Subsequent generations rediscovered his music and now keep his name shining as one of the great innovators and true legends of country music. In 1996, Buck opened the Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield. Over the following years, it became known worldwide as an important venue of country music. Buck and the Buckaroos played there Friday and Saturday nights until his passing, March 25, 2006. His family continues to honor his legacy, celebrating his life by carrying on his radio stations and the Crystal Palace the way they know he would have wanted. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2018 Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2019 Luigi’s and Lemucchi’s Grocery has been at its present location since 1910 and is one of Bakersfield’s oldest continuaous family operated businesses. Joe Lemucchi, the founder of the business, came to California from Lucca, Italy and started his original café on Sumner Street in 1906. Lemucchi married Emilia Degiuli, also an Italian immigrant, and the couple moved in 1911 to the present location of the business at 725 East 19th Street. The original store had family quarters in the rear. The early business featured a grocery, café, a bakery and a gasoline station.Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2020 The Noriega Hotel was founded by Faustino Noriega and Fernando Etcheverry in 1893, and taken over in 1930 by the Elizalde family ever since. Originally a hotel, it eventually became a men’s boarding house. In 1940 the success of the restaurant necessitated the addition of the present bar and dining room. At the time of this ornament, it was the oldest, and last, Basque boardinghouse/restaurant in the world. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.

2021 - The Woolgrowers Restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous Basque Restaurants in the world. Note: Ornaments may sell out quickly, and when they are gone, back orders will not be accepted. Orders will be accepted only as long as ornaments are available.